Overview

The Midwest Magnetic Fields (MMF) – Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) Workshop 2026 (MMF–FIT 2026) is an annual international workshop that brings together researchers studying magnetized astrophysical plasmas—including magnetic fields, turbulence, reconnection, and related multi-physics processes across the Universe. The meeting provides a focused forum for the presentation of recent advances, critical discussion of open problems, and the development of new collaborations across theoretical, numerical, and observational approaches, spanning topics from the interstellar and circumgalactic media to high-energy transients and compact-object environments. 

Scientific Scope

MMF - FIT 2026 focuses on the physics of astrophysical magnetic fields and their interplay with turbulence across a wide range of cosmic environments. Magnetic fields regulate key processes from star formation and accretion to the evolution of galaxies and galaxy clusters. The workshop will highlight recent progress and outstanding questions in the following areas:

1. MHD turbulence and dynamos

2. Magnetic reconnection and magnetic energy dissipation

3. Magnetic-field diagnostics and measurements

4. Cosmic rays: transport, acceleration, and feedback

5. Magnetically regulated astrophysical processes and environments

Confirmed participants (In alphabetical order):

Scientific Organizing Committee (SOC):

Alex Lazarian (alazarian@facstaff.wisc.edu), University of Wisconsin-Madison

Ming Zhang (mzhang@fit.edu), Florida Institute of Technology

Yue Hu (yuehu@ias.edu), Institute for Advanced Study